BREAKING: Suspect in National Guard shooting is Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal who entered US under Biden’s ‘Operation Allies Welcome’

Lakanwal used a handgun to carry out the attack, which resulted in two Guardsmen being shot just a few blocks away from the White House. FBI Director Kash Patel said the soldiers were in critical condition, and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said that the attack was "targeted." Earlier reports indicated that the suspect was not cooperating with investigators, and the official motive remains unclear.

According to officials, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under President Joe Biden during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal. President Biden dramatically expanded refugee admissions in 2021 as part of an effort to reverse Trump-era restrictions that limited refugee admissions from countries in Africa and the Middle East. Per a report by the New York Post, Lakanwal entered the US under Operation Allies Welcome and settled in Bellingham, Washington.

The Trump administration has recently ordered a review of all refugees who entered the country under the Biden administration, which would apply to roughly 233,000 refugees between January, 20, 2021 and February 20, 2025. Additionally, the order called for a halt on the processing of applications for permanent residence by refugees who entered the country during that time period.

FBI Director Kash Patel delivered an emergency briefing on Wednesday condemning the “heinous act of violence” on the two National Guardsmen.

Patel said the shooting occurred at approximately 2:15 pm local time in downtown Washington, DC. “Two of our brave members of the National Guard and Department of War were brazenly attacked in a horrendous act of violence,” he said. “They were shot, they’re in critical condition.”

Standing alongside federal, state, and local officials, Patel said multiple agencies have surged resources to track down the suspects. “We have assembled the full force of both the federal and state and local law enforcement agencies to prepare all of our resources to make sure we find the perpetrators responsible,” he said. “Make no mistake, they will be brought to justice.”

Because the victims are federal personnel, Patel confirmed the investigation is being handled at the federal level. “This will be treated as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer,” he said. The FBI is leading the case with support from the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, ATF, DEA, and the Metropolitan Police Department.

Patel said President Trump has been briefed and the White House is in direct contact with investigators. “We will shortchange the American public with no resources to make sure we safeguard our nation’s capital,” Patel said, adding that federal officials consider the shooting a matter of national security.

“They are the heroes of this day,” he said. “We must remember them on this day and every day and the sacrifice they have made.”

Metropolitan Police Department Chief Carroll also delivered new info, saying that the shooting has triggered a multi-department response.

Carroll said the shooting occurred at approximately 2:15 pm near 17th and I Street NW, where Guardsmen were stationed as part of routine security operations. “A suspect came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged it at the National Guard members,” Carroll said.

According to Carroll, additional Guardsmen were already positioned nearby and immediately intervened. After what he described as “some back and forth,” the soldiers were able to subdue the shooter and detain him until law enforcement arrived. “Within moments, members of law enforcement in the area were also able to assist and bring that individual into custody,” he said.

The injured Guardsmen were treated at the scene by DC Fire and EMS before being transported to a local hospital. Their condition was not released in Carroll’s remarks, though federal officials earlier said the soldiers had suffered critical injuries.

Carroll confirmed that the suspect was also transported to a hospital for treatment. No additional details about his identity or motive were provided. "We have the full power of the FBI and our federal partners in our task force," he said.

Carroll said the suspect came around the corner and immediately began firing at the two Guard members. There were other Guard members in the area. The other Guardmembers were able to hold down the suspect until law enforcement arrived to detain him. It is not known what weapon was used in the shooting.

Speaking on Wednesday, Bowser called for thoughts and prayers to the Guardsmen: "I am joined by members and leadership from the D.C. National Guard, from the West Virginia National Guard, United States Secret Service, Deputy Mayor Pia, Fire Chief Donnelly, and Metro's General Manager, Randy Clark.

"And we join with the FBI Director in ensuring that MPD investigates and the U.S. Attorney prosecutes this case to the fullest extent of the law. I've had the opportunity to brief U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was speaking to the President when I called, as well as the United States Attorney, Jeanine Pirro, who assured me that this case will have her office's complete attention."

The Guardsmen who were shot were armed.

This is a breaking story. Refresh for updates.